The Citroën C1 ev'ie's body and fittings are essentially identical to a standard C1. Differences for the electric model include a fixed-ratio transmission and regenerative braking (with ABS). A standard 5-speed gearbox is used but fixed into 3rd gear. The regenerative braking is automatically partially applied as soon as the accelerator is released, not just when the brake pedal is pressed, making it act like engine braking, instead of acting like putting a car into neutral and coasting.[2] ECC buys C1s and then removes the engine and gas tank, adds batteries, electric motor, heater, and an engine-management system.[6]

By placing the batteries in place of the standard fossil fuel tank, as well as in the engine compartment, no boot space is lost compared to the standard C1 model.[2]